First stallion to win the Grand Champion of the World crown at the National Celebration proved to be Midnight Sun, who received the floral horseshoes in 1945 and 1946 - and later started to reign as one of the all-time great sires of Tennessee Walking Horse history.

Midnight Sun became one of the most noted horses of the last half century, and his progeny soon began to make marks for themselves in the show rings, as he retired to stud.

It is said that Midnight Sun's canter was probably more photographed than that of any other horse prior to the 1950's.

One statement said: "It was a sight long to be remembered when Sun won his championship, for he walked with a straight and speedy running walk with lots of nod, and he had a relaxed and determined flat foot walk."